Dani Nardi

Chef Dani’s journey with food began in the simplest of kitchens, learning from her grandmother in Brazil, where meals were created with love, resourcefulness, and fresh produce gathered from the allotment. Born of both Brazilian and Italian heritage, she grew up surrounded by traditions that valued togetherness at the table, flavours drawn from the land, and the joy of cooking for others. Since 2015, Dani has carried these early lessons into her professional life, shaping a culinary path that has taken her from bustling diners and cosy bistros to artisanal cafés, festivals, and private events across the United Kingdom.

Her craft found new depth during her time at Ottolenghi, where she embraced modern Middle Eastern cuisine and discovered its rich tapestry of textures, aromas, and spices. This experience, combined with her Brazilian warmth and Mediterranean roots, has become the heart of her cooking style: colourful, nourishing, and alive with flavour. Dani brings the same care whether preparing vegan, vegetarian, or meat-based dishes, often infusing them with smoky grilled notes and the soulful touch of her cultural background. Beyond cooking, she has shared her knowledge by mentoring apprentice chefs, leading kitchen teams, and creating vibrant food experiences from private gatherings to larger celebrations.

For Dani, food is far more than sustenance; it is a bridge between people, places, and presence of mind. Since beginning her Vipassana practice in January 2025, mindfulness has deepened the way she lives and cooks, with every meal offered as an act of connection and intention. When not in the kitchen, Dani can be found exploring The Peak District and Dartmoor, riding her motorcycle, or enjoying music and the quiet rituals of sauna time. Her way of life mirrors her food: grounded, adventurous, and full of heart, inviting others to slow down, savour the moment, and reconnect with what truly nourishes.